Dynamics of Complete Right Ventricular Failure in Dogs Maintained with an Extracorporeal Left Ventricle

Abstract
By replacing the left ventricle of a dog with an extracorporeal pump, complete failure of the right ventricle (e.g., fibrillation) caused marked elevation of central venous pressure, the Degrees of elevation being a linear function of left ventricular output. In addition, expansion of the intravascular volume was required in order to maintain circulation by the left ventricle alone. Edema formation was accentuated by the hypervolemia and venous hypertension.